Car Hire Lisbon - Mini guide to Lisbon

Once the centre of one of Europe’s great maritime nations, Lisbon is way past its prime and looking a bit neglected, but since it’s sprucing up for the World Expo a few years back it’s suddenly a delightful place to visit.

With its steep cobbled medieval streets, Alfama is Lisbon's oldest district, best known for its Castelo de São Jorge, set high on the hill of the same name. The Romanesque Sé (Cathedral) is Alfama's most important. For an instant fix on what fado is all about head to the Casa do Fado. The Baixa was rebuilt after the devastating 1755 earthquake and is now full of wide avenues and the pedestrianised Rua Augusta, covered in alfresco cafes and trendy shops.

By night the Bairro Alto comes alive, with its restaurants, bars, nightclubs and street hawkers. Chiado is a shopping district or commune with the souls of writers past at the elegant Café A Brasileira. The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara has the finest views of the city.

The Riverfront of the Tejo isn’t exactly romantic but a stroll across the ornately tiled placas and among the tile-fascia’d buildings on the hillside suburbs, or around the station is interesting.

By car you can visit the ancient Belem district, Cristo rei and lovely Sintra